Paul Gilmartin is an American stand up comedian, podcast host and television personality best known as the longtime host of TBS's Dinner and a Movie. Since 2011, he has been the host and executive producer of The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast.

In 1995, Gilmartin assumed hosting responsibilities for TBS cooking and entertainment show, Dinner and a Movie, a position he held for more than 16 years from the show's premiere to its eventual finale in 2011.[3] While at the helm, Gilmartin was best known for his sardonic wit and self-effacing humor. Throughout its run, the show relied heavily on Gilmartin's improvisational abilities and the easy-going rapport he established with his string of female co-hosts. Dinner and a Movie was a hit from the onset, helping significantly improve ratings for TBS. One critic dubbed it, "the first television show to combine well-worn theatrical movies, improvisational comedy and culinary education." [4]

In 2011 Gilmartin launched and is currently the host of a weekly podcast, The Mental Illness Happy Hour. The long-format interview style show examines lives affected by mental health issues, including depression, addiction, fear, anxiety, abuse, and gender identity. Of his hosting abilities, The New York Times described Gilmartin as having created, "a perversely safe place in which he and his guests talk about their fears, addictions and traumatic childhoods."[5] Gilmartin's guests on the podcast have included comedians like Adam Carolla, Paul F. Tompkins and Doug Benson. In its first year of production, the show received over 1 million downloads. It currently ranks as one of the most popular self-help podcasts on iTunes.[6]

Gilmartin has faced his own battles with mental health and addiction. He suffers from clinical depression which went undiagnosed until his mid-30s. Following a major depressive episode in 2003, in which Gilmartin was experiencing suicidal thoughts, he entered treatment and discovered he had a drug and alcohol addiction.[6] He has been sober now for 12 years. He and his wife currently reside in Los Angeles with their two dogs.[7] In addition to his theatrical successes, Gilmartin is an accomplished practicing woodworker, creating pieces in a Danish Modern style.[8]